Citizens Quest is a checking account designed for people building or rebuilding their banking history
Citizens Quest is a checking account offered by Citizens Bank, a regional bank with branches across the northeastern and midwestern United States. It's built for people who are new to banking, returning to banking after a gap, or working to repair a banking history — meaning people who may have had overdrafts, unpaid fees, or accounts closed by banks in the past.
The account itself works like a standard checking account: you deposit money, write checks, use a debit card, and pay bills. What makes it different is that Citizens Bank reports your account activity to ChexSystems, a banking history system that other banks check before opening accounts. This means responsible use of a Citizens Quest account can help you move to a regular checking account elsewhere later.
Citizens Bank also does not use ChexSystems to decide whether to open the account in the first place — they look at your banking history differently, which is why people who have been turned down elsewhere sometimes may have access to here.
Key Takeaways
- Citizens Quest is a checking account from Citizens Bank for people new to banking or rebuilding their banking history.
- The account reports to ChexSystems, so responsible use helps you move to a standard account at any bank later.
- Citizens Bank does not require a clean ChexSystems record to open the account, though they do review your history.
- The account has a monthly fee, and overdraft fees explore if you spend more than you have, so tracking your balance matters.
- You can open an account online, by phone, or in a branch if you have a government ID and a Social Security number.
How Citizens Quest differs from a standard checking account
A standard checking account at most banks comes with no monthly fee and no restrictions on who can open one. Citizens Quest charges a monthly maintenance fee — the amount varies, so check with Citizens Bank directly for current pricing. The account also has overdraft fees if you spend more money than you have in the account.
The key difference is not the fees themselves, but the purpose: Citizens Quest is a stepping stone. Once you have used it responsibly for several months, you can move to Citizens Bank's standard checking account, which has lower or no monthly fees. Other banks will also be more willing to open accounts for you because your ChexSystems record now shows responsible banking.
Citizens Quest also comes with a debit card and online banking, just like any other checking account. You can set up direct deposit, pay bills online, and transfer money between accounts. The tools are the same — the difference is in who the account is designed for and what it costs.
What you need to open a Citizens Quest account
To open a Citizens Quest account, you will need a government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and a Social Security number. Citizens Bank will ask for your address and phone number as well. You do not need to have a minimum amount of money to open the account, though you will need to deposit something to use it.
You can open the account online through Citizens Bank's website, by calling their customer service line, or by visiting a branch in person. Online is usually the fastest option if you have a computer or phone and a valid ID you can photograph or scan.
Citizens Bank will check your ChexSystems record and your banking history with other banks, but they do not automatically reject you if you have had problems in the past. They look at the details — how long ago the problems were, whether you resolved them, and what your overall pattern looks like. If you have questions about whether you will may have access to, calling a branch is faster than guessing.
Fees and costs you should know about
Citizens Quest has a monthly maintenance fee. This fee is charged whether you use the account or not, so even if you only deposit money and never spend it, you will owe the fee each month. The exact amount changes over time, so contact Citizens Bank directly for the current fee.
If you overdraft — meaning you try to spend more money than you have — Citizens Bank will charge an overdraft fee each time. This fee is separate from the monthly maintenance fee. If you overdraft multiple times in one day, you may be charged multiple overdraft fees. The best way to avoid this is to check your balance before you spend and set up alerts on your phone or computer so you know when your balance is getting low.
Some accounts offer overdraft protection, which means the bank will transfer money from a savings account or credit line to cover the overdraft instead of charging a fee. Ask Citizens Bank whether Citizens Quest offers this option and what it costs.
How Citizens Quest helps you move forward
The main value of Citizens Quest is that it gives you a way back into the banking system. If you have been turned down for checking accounts elsewhere, or if you are new to banking and worried about making mistakes, this account lets you build a clean record.
Every month you use the account without overdrafting, you are building proof that you can manage money responsibly. After several months — usually three to six, though Citizens Bank does not publish a specific timeline — you can ask to move to a standard Citizens Bank checking account with lower fees. When you do, your ChexSystems record goes with you, and other banks will see that you have managed an account well.
This matters because ChexSystems records stay on file for five years. A single overdraft or closed account can make it hard to open accounts elsewhere during that time. Citizens Quest gives you a way to show that you have moved past those problems.
Where Citizens Bank branches are located
Citizens Bank has branches in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. If you live in one of these states, you can visit a branch in person to open an account or ask questions.
If you do not live in a state where Citizens Bank has branches, you can still open an account online or by phone. You will not be able to deposit cash in person, but you can deposit checks by photograph through the mobile app or by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Citizens Quest account if I have been turned down by other banks?
Yes. Citizens Bank does not automatically reject you based on your ChexSystems record. They review your history, but people who have had overdrafts or closed accounts in the past often may have access to. Call a branch or explore online to find out whether you may have access to based on your specific situation.
What happens if I overdraft my Citizens Quest account?
You will be charged an overdraft fee. The bank may also decline the transaction and not let you spend the money. To avoid this, check your balance before you spend and set up low-balance alerts on your phone so you know when you are running low.
How long do I need to use Citizens Quest before I can move to a regular checking account?
Citizens Bank does not publish a specific timeline, but most people can move after three to six months of responsible use. Contact your branch or call customer service to ask when you might be may be able to access. Having no overdrafts and no missed payments makes the move more likely.
Can I deposit cash into a Citizens Quest account if there is no branch near me?
Not directly. You can deposit checks by photograph through the mobile app or by mail. For cash deposits, you would need to visit a branch in person or use a Citizens Bank ATM. If neither is available where you live, you may want to explore checking accounts from banks that have branches or ATMs in your area.
Does Citizens Quest report to credit bureaus?
No. Checking accounts do not appear on your credit report. Citizens Quest reports to ChexSystems, which is a separate banking history system. Building a good record with Citizens Quest will not directly improve your credit score, but it will help you open accounts at other banks later.